Walt Disney World Resort has unveiled the final phase of its new guest management system in a bid to reduce waiting times and streamline the experience for theme park guests.
MyMagic+ combines a new app allowing guests to plan their park visit in advance, an expanded FastPass+ system offering speedier access to twice as many attractions as previously, and a MagicBand which can be worn at all times to avoid the need for paper tickets.
The wristband, which uses patented radio frequency identification or RFID chips, not only acts as a room key for guests staying in Disney resorts, but stores guests’ FastPass+ ride times, park tickets and can be linked up with a credit card for in-resort purchases.
Speaking at an international press preview in Orlando, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Tom Staggs said: “We’re finding that it’s allowing guests to customise and personalise their visit.
“We have more than doubled the number of FastPass attractions available to our guests. This isn’t about the technology, it’s about the magic of a Disney vacation.”
Guests can log on to MyDisneyExperience.com or download the free mobile app to start planning their park visit – including selecting times for FastPass+ queue jumps and booking in dining reservations – up to 60 days in advance for guests staying in Disney hotels, and up to 30 days for those staying outside the resort.
The system has been in development for the past year, but has now been fully rolled out across the resort and its hotels, and expanded to allow guests extra FastPass tickets once they have used the current allocation of three per day.
These can be used to skip queues on the most popular rides, as well as to access VIP viewing areas for fireworks shows, parades and character meet-and-greets.
UK agents are being urged to use the new system to break down any perceived complexity over planning a Disney holiday, by allowing guests to customise their visit in advance.
Hugh Wood, UK managing director and vice president of Disney Destinations International, said: “We are delighted that so many agents have completed the Disney Stars My Magic+ training which allows them to be part of the Walt Disney World holiday planning process, designing the holidays that our guests want from the start.
“My Magic+ is a collection of tools which unlocks planning complexity, leaving more time for guests to enjoy the anticipation and countdown as well their holiday.
“Put simply, it makes the process more customised, more magical and a better holiday experience for everyone.”
The roll-out came as Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, unveiled its latest ride, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which completes the recently-redeveloped area New Fantasyland in its Magic Kingdom park.
The park also debuted its new Festival of Fantasy parade featuring characters from recent Disney releases Frozen and Brave as well as classic figures such as Mickey Mouse, Captain Hook and Snow White.